Diabetes mellitus history of diagnosis

From the 17th century until nearly the 20th century physicians would
take to sampling the urine of their patients to determine if the urine
had a sweet taste. Because diabetes causes the spilling over of sugar
into the urine, this was considered a viable means of diagnosing the
condition.

Diabetes mellitus history of treatment

A connection between diet and diabetes mellitus began to form in the
early 20th century when doctors such as Dr. Frederick Allen began
prescribing extremely low-calorie diets for his patients with diabetes.

These diets allowed as few as 450 calories per day and
while they did prolong the lives of those with the disease the patients
were left feeling weak and undernourished.

Then in 1921 diabetes mellitus history hit a turning
point. A small group of doctors experimented with a diabetic dog and
kept it alive for 70 days by injecting an early form of insulin. This
group of doctors then administered a refined insulin extract to a young
boy with diabetes. The boy’s condition stabilized and the miracle of
insulin began development.

Since the discovery of insulin medical breakthroughs continue to be found.

In 1935 two types of diabetes mellitus, which today are named type 1 and type 2, were differentiated.

In the 1950s, oral medications (sulfonylureas) were first used for type 2 diabetics.

In the 1960s, urine strips were created making testing and monitoring sugar levels much easier for patients.

In 1961 the single use syringe was put into use preventing the need
to boil needles and glass syringes and leading to less painful
injections because needles were smaller and did not become dull.

In 1969, the first portable glucose meter was developed.

In the late 1970s, the first insulin pump was introduced.

In 1979, the hemoglobin A1c test was created allowing for more precise blood sugar level measurements.

In 1995, the oral medications, Metformin and Precose, were approved
for use in the U.S. by the FDA for patients with type 2 diabetes.

The diabetes mellitus history has been an interesting
one and it is far from over. In the 21st century, diabetes researchers
will continue to find new advancements in treatment and delivery of
medications.